Egyptian security forces have destroyed many of the underground tunnels beneath the Egypt-Gaza border. The state announced that the army’s crackdown had put 80% of the tunnels out of operation.

Gaza has been subjected to a land, air, and sea blockade since 2007 when Hamas took over the strip. The underground tunnels are essential to provide residents of Gaza with many products that would otherwise not make it across the border including food, medicine, fuel, and building materials.